Wellington - Two brothers were found guilty Tuesday of murdering a three-year-old girl who was kicked to death after months of abuse, including being hung and spun on a rotary clothes line until she fell off and put in a tumble dryer that was switched on, news reports said on Tuesday.

A jury in the Rotorua High Court took nearly 11 hours to convict Wiremu Curtis, 18, and Michael Curtis, 22, of the murder of Nia Glassie, who died from severe brain damage in August 2007, 12 days after being taken to hospital.

The girl's mother, Lisa Kuka, 35, who had been in a relationship with Wiremu Curtis, was found guilty on two counts of manslaughter for failing to provide the necessities of life and not protecting the child from violence.

Judge Judith Potter started to cry as she thanked the jury for their service after the verdicts were delivered, Radio New Zealand reported.

Michael Curtis' partner, Oriwa Kemp, 18, and Nia; s cousin Michael Pearson, 30, were acquitted of manslaughter charges but found guilty of child cruelty.

The court was told that the girl lay in a coma for 36 hours after being kicked repeatedly in the head as her mother and other family members celebrated Michael Curtis' 21st birthday with a party.

The prosecutor said the child was subjected to "days, weeks and probably months" of abuse before she died.

Judge Potter adjourned the case for sentencing at a date to be set later. (dpa)